Doctor insights on:
How Do I Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection

1

Inflammation :
Inflammation of the sinuses may arise as a result of allergies, upper respiratory tract infections with viruses, bacteria or fungi (yeast infection) although another not commonly recognized cause of inflammation of the sinuses arises from reflux of acid from the stomach (laryngopharyngeal reflux or lpr). Most cases are due to a viral infection and resolve over the course of 10 days.
This does not however mean that you should be waiting for ten days for resolution of a sinus infection before seeing a physician.
A sinus infection is suspected if you experience a headache/facial pain or pressure of a dull, constant, or aching sort over the forehead, between or behind the eyes, over one or both of your cheeks or in the very back of the head. This pain is typically localized to the involved sinus and may worsen you bend over or when lying down. Pain often starts on one side of the head and progresses to both sides. Sinusitis may be accompanied by thick nasal discharge that is usually thick yellow or green in colour and may contain pus (purulent) and/or blood. Often a localized headache or toothache is present (especially the upper teeth and more commonly the canine teeth) and it is these symptoms that distinguish a sinus-related headache from other types of headaches, such as tension and migraine headaches. Infection of the eye socket is possible, which may result in the loss of sight and is accompanied by fever and severe illness. Another possible complication is the infection of the bones (osteomyelitis) of the forehead and other facial bones â€” a condition also known as pott's puffy tumor.
Sinus infections can also cause middle and less commonly inner ear problems due to the congestion of the nasal passages. This can be demonstrated by dizziness, "a pressurized or heavy head", clogging of the ear, popping and crackling sensation from dysfunction of the tube that equalizes the pressure in the middle ear (eustachian tube) or vibrating sensations in the head.
The over the counter first line of treatment should include a nasal decongestant spray like afrin which indeed should be limited to three days or less, a mucolytic agent like mucinex or robitussin to make the thick secretions more watery so they can drain more easily and be removed naturally by the body. Both mucinex and robitussin come in several preparations. Whenever the name of the medication ends with a d (e.g. Mucinex-d) it also contains a decongestant that will help to reduce the amount of discharge and mucous. The advantage of an oral decongestant is drying your nose; the disadvantage is its common side effects including feeling wired at night (having trouble falling asleep) and occasional sensation of a strong, fast or irregular heartbeat, also called palpitations.
If, however you feel that within a few days the pain or pressure over your forehead, cheeks, behind your eyes is either the same, worst or accompanied by thick yellow or green mucous or if accompanied by other signs like double or blurry vision, swelling of any part of the face or eyes, fever, prolonged symptoms, neck pain or rigidity etc. Prompt medical attention is in order.
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In anatomy, a sinus is a cavity within a bone or other tissue. Most commonly found in the bones of the face and connecting with the nasal cavities. Sinus (anatomy), description of the general term paranasal sinuses, air cavities in the cranial bones, especially those near the nose, including: the maxillary sinuses, also called the maxillary antra and the largest of the paranasal sinuses, are und.
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2

See your doctor:
You need a significant trial of antibiotics, decongestants and nasal steroids. If the sinus infection persists or frequently recurs, you may need surgery. Go see your ent.
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3

Drainage:
If you can Sudafed will promote drainage, drink a lot of fluids but a nettie pot. Its a small tea pot you can fill with warm water and a bit of sea salt that you buy and pour it up your nose. It sounds gross but works. If after a few days or if you get worse see your doctor and start antibiotics
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4

See your doctor:
Sinus infections are often viral, and viral illnesses last 7 to 10 days. You can take meds for symptoms, but there is nothing that can be done to shorten the length of a viral illness. If your sinus symptoms are caused by a bacterial infection or allergies, though, there may be prescription meds that can help. See your doctor to determine if any of these medicines might be appropriate for you.
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5

Take antibiotics:
"true sinus infections". , not a viral cold, are caused by bacterial infection of the air containing sinuses around the nose and benefit from antibiotics. If it is a viral infection it is usually self limiting in 5-7 days, and does not require antibiotics.
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6

Improve drainage:
Sinus health is all about drainage. Remove the thick, obstructing secretions with salt water rinses, take Pseudoephedrine or use oxymetazoline spray for a few days, and get an antibiotic if you have greenish secretions. The best thing to do is to see an allergist to see if allergies are the underlying cause, and to learn what to do to control the allergic inflammation as best as you can.
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8

Wash and drain:
Most sinus infections are viral. Thus, using an over the counter decongestant (like sudafed) along with a mucous thinning agent (like guiafenesin) can be very helpful. I also recommend using a netti pot or nasal rinse bottle with saline.
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9

Get reevaluated.:
Maybe it's time to get reevaluated by your doctor or see an ENT specialist. It may not be infection but rhinitis or allergy. Maybe you're not getting the right or adequate treatments. Maybe there are structural problems in the sinuses. A doctor would be able to help.
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10

It depends:
That depends on whether you have a sinus infection or a cold. How long have you had symptoms? Most sinus infections are caused by colds. A cold is a viral infection, and antibiotics won't help. A sinus infection is a complication of a cold, and generally takes 10 to 14 days to develop. Don't wait longer than 3 weeks for an antibiotic, and seek help immediately for neckstiffness, eye swelling.
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Infections are invasions of some other organism (fungus, bacteria, parasite) or viruses into places where they do not belong. For instance, we have normal gut bacteria that live within us without causing problems; however, when those penetrate the bowel wall and enter the bloodstream, that is an infection.
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